PAPILLION — When top-ranked Waverly only pushed two runs across the plate over the first two innings while stranding four runners, it started to feel like an omen.

After a four-run third inning from the Hastings Tigers, it was official.

Missteps in the field and blunders on the base paths defined the game for the Vikings on Monday evening at Werner Park. Waverly just couldn’t recover as the Tigers advanced in the Class B state baseball tournament’s winner’s bracket with a 5-2 victory.

“We could’ve had a four- or five-run lead in the second inning and that really caught up to us,” Waverly coach Kyle Parker said. “On Saturday, it was the same thing and we were lucky to get through then. Hastings caught up to us and made plays.”

The Vikings looked dangerous early in the game as they loaded the bases with one out in the first. After pushing one run across, a ground ball caught a Waverly runner to send everyone back one base. The Tigers got out of the inning one batter later with the damage limited.

In the third inning, the Vikings had two on and no one out after doubling their lead on a Thatcher Kozal RBI single to right field. The Hastings defense once again worked itself out of a jam with a fielder’s choice double play and a fly out.

The momentum from limiting the Vikings' offense carried over in the bottom of the inning when the Tigers exploded for four runs, ultimately winning them the game. With the two-run lead, Hastings starter Jacob Schroeder settled in on the mound. The junior fired three scoreless innings to propel the Tigers in the winner’s bracket.

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“(Schroeder getting out of those jams) was huge; it lets him know that he doesn’t have to strike everybody out, the defense can make big plays for you,” Hastings' Blake Marquardt said. “We made a diving catch down the third baseline, then made another great throw home then ended up in a double play. We can make plays and it can really swing the momentum of the game.”

The loss sends Waverly into the loser’s bracket, where they’ll face Elkhorn Tuesday night at Fricke Field in an elimination contest.

“We have 15 seniors so we just have to ask them how they want their season to end,” Parker said. “Our offense and pitching that we have left, we still have a pretty good shot but it’s just about doing those little things right that we aren’t doing right now.”

Hastings advances to play Bennington after the Badgers handled Norris 11-1 in five innings. First pitch is set for 7 p.m. at Werner Park.

Elkhorn 11, Omaha Concordia/BT/OC 0: Gannon Gragert went 2-for-3 with a homer and four RBIs and Kyler Beekman added three hits to lift the Antlers in a Class B elimination game.

Concordia/Brownell Talbot/Omaha Christian's season ends at 14-7. Elkhorn (13-11) will take on Waverly on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Waverly vs. Hastings, 5.13

Hastings' Justin Musgrave (32) celebrates defeating Waverly in the second round of the Class B state baseball tournament Monday at Werner Park in Papillion.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Waverly vs. Hastings, 5.13

Hastings' pitcher Jacob Schroeder celebrates a strikeout against Waverly during the second round of the Class B state baseball tournament Monday at Werner Park in Papillion.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Waverly vs. Hastings, 5.13

Waverly's Maverick Wylder celebrates stealing second and beating the tag against Hastings in the second round of the Class B state baseball tournament Monday at Werner Park in Papillion.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Waverly vs. Hastings, 5.13

Waverly pitcher Treyton Kozal throws in the first inning against Hastings in the second round of the Class B state baseball tournament Monday at Werner Park in Papillion.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Waverly vs. Hastings, 5.13

Waverly's Nolan Brown (8) flips the ball to second baseman Jay Adams who turns to first for the double play against Hastings in the second round of the Class B state baseball tournament Monday at Werner Park in Papillion.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Waverly vs. Hastings, 5.13

Waverly's Jay Adams safely returns to first base against Hastings in the second round of the Class B state baseball tournament Monday at Werner Park in Papillion.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Waverly vs. Hastings, 5.13

Umpires confer with one another on a runner interference play during second round play in the Class B State Tournament between Waverly and Hastings Monday at Werner Park in Papillion. The officials overturned their call allowing the Hastings player to score rather than be called out.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Waverly vs. Hastings, 5.13

Hastings' Braden Kalvelage (8) catches a fly ball avoiding teammate Mason Brumbaugh against Waverly in the second round of the Class B state baseball tournament Monday at Werner Park in Papillion.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Waverly vs. Hastings, 5.13

Hastings players Jacob Shaw (from left) Sam Wibbels, Johnathan Cafferty and Logan Nordby celebrate their win over Waverly in the second round of the Class B state baseball tournament Monday at Werner Park in Papillion.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Waverly vs. Hastings, 5.13

Waverly Rhett Jordon (5) talks with Hastings head coach Blake Marquardt following a game in the second round of the Class B state baseball tournament Monday at Werner Park in Papillion.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Waverly vs. Hastings, 5.13

Hastings pitcher Connor Creech (left) writhes in pain after colliding with Waverly baserunner Rhett Jordon in the second round of the Class B state baseball tournament Monday at Werner Park in Papillion.

KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star

Waverly vs. Hastings, 5.13

Hastings' Sam Wibbels (right) beats the throw to Waverly catcher Thatcher Kozal to score during the second round of the Class B state baseball tournament at Werner Park in Papillion.